October 2020 coldest October in Delhi in last 58 years: IMD

This year's October month was the coldest in 58 years in the national capital, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data.

The mean minimum temperature in October this year was 17.2 degrees Celsius, the lowest since 1962, when it was 16.9 degrees Celsius, the IMD said. Delhi had recorded its all-time low temperature of 9.4 degrees Celsius on October 31, 1937, he said.

Clouds trap some of the outgoing infrared radiation and radiate it back downward, warming the ground. This time, the absence of cloud cover is a major reason for such low minimum temperatures, IMD's Regional Forecasting Center Head said.

Another reason is calm winds, which allow formation of mist and fog, he said.